We had the good fortune of connecting with Julianne Szczesny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julianne, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Something I like to share in a client meeting is the time it takes to make some of the wedding signs that I create. Everything that Art. by Jules paints is hand written, drawn, and planned out. There is no vinyl, circuit, sticker, etc. I take pride in the quality of our product. Clients are paying for the craftsmanship of the wedding signs or custom commissions but also. the time it takes to produce these works of art. There is a lot of back end planning that is involved and I make sure to factor in the time it takes to finish it well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had a love for art. Growing up, I was very shy and art gave me a voice, allowing me to come out of my shell. I knew that I wanted to be an artist but was not sure what career path I wanted to embark on. It was not until I volunteered at a foster care camp one summer that I realized that I wanted to combine my love for art with kids. Now I am in my fifth year of being an art educator and I love it!
I wanted to make sure that I was still challenging myself creatively going into my full time career as an art educator. I had heard stories of art educators getting burnt out or loosing their artistic drive. So I started painting works of art here and there for people. It was just friends coming to me for different things. Then, once I started venturing into the wedding industry, now I am getting a lot more clients that are referrals or new faces! It is pretty awesome to see where Art by Jules started in fall of 2018 to now.

There are hills and valleys in every season of life. There are moments where I don’t feel creative and take some time to refill my creative cup. During that time, I usually travel and become inspired by the art that I am around. It definitely humbles me and shows me that there is a world of possibilities out there. With my art, I take pride in the quality of my pieces. I definitely take the time, energy and effort to make each piece to a high standard of excellence. I am my worst critic sometimes though. But I am so thankful for Jared who is such an encourager and an important reason why Art by Jules is as successful as it is.

For my art, I really enjoy watercolor, oil painting and sculpture. I paint a lot of paintings of places that I have traveled as memories that I have made. For my wedding commissions, the calligraphy aspect of my business is very relaxing to me. When I come home from a busy school day with my art students, I enjoy going for a run and then painting wedding signs in the evening.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Art by Jules is based out of the Frisco/Little Elm area. Legacy West, The Star, and Main Street Frisco are great places to shop and eat! My husband and I like to try new places or food at the places we do like! If you are in the area for a weekend, some places to eat would be: Hutchen’s BBQ, Hula Hut, Tupelo Honey, Salsa’s, and Legacy Hall!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many that I would love to share by name that have had their hand in supporting Art by Jules. This business would not be possible without The Lord. God gives us each gifts to glorify Him. I believe that God has given me the gift of creativity to serve others and share The Gospel.

Art by Jules is not just me. My husband, Jared Szczesny, is co-owner and asset manager for our business. He helps with most of our back-end financial planning and logistics. He definitely has helped me on the business side of things that my art brain can have a hard time focusing on!

Instagram: @art_by_juless

Facebook: Art by Jules

Other: TikTok: @art_by_juless

Image Credits
@brittanygilbertphotography @judywagnerphoto @ashleyfondon @mordiphotographie @courtneybosworthphotography

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